Wycombe Boss Hopes EFL Trophy Exit Offers ‘Silver Lining’ for Schedule

Wycombe Wanderers head coach Matt Bloomfield, who has led the team since February 2023, expressed his hope that the club’s recent elimination from the EFL Trophy could ultimately benefit his squad by alleviating their demanding fixture list. The team, known as the Chairboys, experienced their initial loss across 16 matches in all competitions, falling 2-1 at home against Swindon Town on Tuesday evening. This result prevented them from advancing to the last 16 of a tournament where they had reached the final at Wembley last season, ultimately losing to Peterborough. Speaking to BBC Three Counties Radio, Bloomfield detailed the team’s extensive fixture commitments, stating: “This year we’ve had three games in the League Cup, we’re into the third round of the FA Cup, and this competition has given us four games, so we’ve had a really packed schedule.” He further commented on the demanding nature of their calendar, adding: “It’s relentless, but every cloud has a silver lining, and at least it will give us one midweek when we can get back on the training ground without having another game to come.” Before their encounter with Swindon Town, referred to as the Robins, Wycombe’s last loss occurred on 24 September, when they were defeated by Premier League side Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup. For the match against Swindon, Bloomfield implemented nine squad changes, explaining: “I knew as a player, when you play regularly with the same players around you, you build those relationships and play with that telepathy – and when you don’t do that regularly, it’s hard to just turn it on for one night.” He concluded his remarks by stating: “I take that on board absolutely, but I still believe in the group, and I want us to be better.” Despite the defeat, Wycombe maintains its position at the top of League One, ahead of Wrexham on goal difference. Their next fixture is an away game against Shrewsbury Town, currently at the bottom of the league, scheduled for Saturday. Bloomfield further commented on the team’s performance, stating: “It was disappointing; it wasn’t the level we’ve set ourselves as a group, and we have to make sure we react properly on Saturday.” He also expressed his strong aversion to defeat, adding: “I hate losing football matches, and even though it hasn’t happened for a little while, [that] doesn’t make it any easier. If you lose that, then you’re asking for trouble.” He concluded by noting the team’s deviation from their usual play: “The normal standards we set ourselves [were not there against Swindon]; we didn’t have the same fluidity.”